Childcare Funding and Fees

What is Funded Childcare?

Funded childcare is a Government initiative, offering working parents the opportunity of a set number of free childcare hours each year. The initiatives aim is to give children access to nurturing and high-quality childcare and education, easing the financial load on families. Understanding childcare funding can feel complicated. At ABC Childcare Services, we want to help families understand the support available and how it can be used towards their child’s place. We offer government-funded early education at our four settings across Crewe, Audlem and Congleton. The hours available to your family depend on your child’s age, your circumstances and the funding scheme you qualify for.

The government’s Best S tart in Life website is a one stop hub designed to support parents and carers with reliable childcare and Early Education information. It covers all funding information, including step by step application support, but it is so much more. It helps families make informed choices at every stage of their child’s early years journey.

What funded childcare could your child receive?

15 funded hours for all 3 and 4-year-olds

Every child in England is entitled to 15 funded hours of early education per week, from the term after their third birthday until they start school. This entitlement is available regardless of whether their parents work or receive benefits.

Up to 30 funded hours for eligible working parents

Eligible working parents can access up to 30 funded hours per week for children aged 9 months to 4 years, until they start school. Both parents, or the sole parent in a single-parent family, must meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

You need to apply for a funding code and reconfirm your eligibility every three months. Funded hours usually start from the term after your child reaches the qualifying age and your eligibility requirements are met.

15 funded hours for eligible 2-year-olds

Some 2-year-olds can receive 15 funded hours per week if their family receives certain benefits or meets other qualifying criteria. Parents do not necessarily need to be working to qualify.

Eligible working parents may also qualify for the working-parent entitlement, allowing them to access up to 30 funded hours in total where both schemes apply.

When to apply?

The deadline to secure the code for your child’s government-funded childcare hours is the end of the month before a new term begins. For example, if your little one is starting in January, be sure to complete this by December 31st. This also applies to the summer and autumn terms. By applying early, you ensure a seamless experience, paving the way for your child’s bright early learning journey.

Tax Free Childcare

Tax free childcare is a government scheme that helps working parents with the cost of childcare. For every £8 you pay into your tax-free Childcare account, the government adds £2, up to a maximum of £2,000 per year (£4,000 for disabled children.

Eligibility

Working parents (employed or self employed) who earn at least the National minimum wage for 16 hours a week.
Have a child under the age of 12 (or under 17 if for a disabled child)
Earn less than £100,000 per year (per parent)
Are not receiving certain benefits.

How to apply and how it works